Kuala Lumpur, March 17 – Mondelēz Malaysia (Mondelēz), part of the global snacking powerhouse Mondelēz International is collaborating with the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) to hold the first Managing Halal Integrity programme for small and medium enterprises (SME) in Malaysia.
As an initial step towards providing a broader support to the local SMEs, the programme is aimed at sharing useful knowledge in ensuring Halal integrity in the production of consumer goods and best practices in responding to potential issues.
Raja Zalina Raja Safran, Head of Corporate and Government Affairs at Mondelēz Malaysia expressed the importance of industry partnerships and the help of larger corporations in elevating Halal as an enabler to spur the growth of SMEs.
“As the maker of Malaysia’s top favourite snacks, we take Halal matter very seriously to ensure that the cultural and religious interests of our consumers are not compromised in any way. All our plants in Malaysia are certified Halal by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and
20 percent of products manufactured here are exported to 16 countries worldwide.”
“That is why we are continuously improving on our already stringent procedures to bring products with the highest standard of safety and quality. Extending our commitment and best practices in Halal compliance that we have gathered over the years, we are in the position to contribute to Malaysia’s vision to be a global Halal hub,” Raja Zalina explained.
Halal is an important engine to support the company’s long term growth ambition, while sustaining its mission in creating moments of joy through its power brands including Cadbury, Oreo, Chipsmore, Jacobs and Twisties to name a few.
“We also go to the extent of having an Internal Halal Committee in each facility, making sure that our products follow the stringent quality procedures as prescribed in the Manual Procedure of Halal Certification by JAKIM,” she said.
Through the Managing Halal Integrity programme, participating SMEs are provided with the latest updates and strategic plans charting the growth of Malaysia’s Halal industry. Hanisofian Alias, General Manager, Industry Development of HDC urged SMEs to tap on the opportunities to learn from the experiences of the bigger corporations.
“We are pleased that established companies like Mondelēz Malaysia are coming together to help boost the awareness of Halal to the SMEs. Their insights and experience in Halal, which has become an important part in today’s business environment, will benefit smaller companies particularly those who are interested in expanding their business in halal products and services. SMEs need the Local and Large Companies (LLC) to support them in many ways from supply of raw material to branding and promotion,” he said.
Raja Zalina explained that the company’s commitment in Halal standards is also a way to meet the value-based needs and demands of consumers.
Halal certification: More than just a label
One of the factors that contributed to the Mondelēz Malaysia’s notable success until this day is its focus on stringent manufacturing process to ensure the highest standard of quality, where being compliant to the Halal guidelines is with no exception.
“We go beyond than just complying with national laws, international standards and our own business values; we operate in ways that demonstrate social responsibility and respect for Muslim employees and consumers. We have complete conviction in our manufacturing processes and supply chains – they are internationally compliant and Halal-certified. We will continue to work very closely with the relevant authorities and partners like HDC to ensure that we surpass standards,” said Raja Zalina.
Mondelēz Malaysia maintained its strong presence in the country with four operating bases and category leadership in chocolate, biscuit and salty snacks, despite a previous nationwide Halal dispute involving one of its brands.
Raja Zalina continued, “The adherence to Halal certification standards is more than just governance as the overall concept of Halal also covers the sustainability concept of hygiene, sanitation and safety aspects. This makes Halal food readily acceptable by the general consumers who are increasingly aware of food safety and healthy lifestyle. The integration of Halal into the overall business process should therefore be seen as an extension of good business practice.”
According to the Global Islamic Economic Report, it is estimated that the worldwide spending on Halal food and lifestyle products is expected to reach USD3.7 trillion (RM16.5 trillion) by 2019, while the Halal food market alone is expected to account for 21.2% of the entire global food expenditure.
International brands like Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates and belVita Breakfast biscuits are produced locally under strict Halal guidelines set by JAKIM in response to the growing consumer awareness in food safety and evolving consumer taste preference.
With both the Cadbury and belVita Breakfast biscuit plants established more than 40 and 50 years in Malaysia respectively, it had paved the way for the snacking company to export these products to other countries with Muslim population in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore.